Run with Danny Mills at Leeds 10K this weekend

Jess Sheldon

Former England and Leeds United football player Danny Mills will be setting the pace for runners this weekend at the Leeds 10K.

Mr Mills will motivate members of the ‘Run with Danny’ team with the aim of getting them over the finish line in less than one hour.

Now in its 11th year, the Asda Foundation Leeds 10K will see nearly 10,000 people pound the streets of Leeds for Jane Tomlinson’s original legacy run this Sunday.

And although the course will represent a tough challenge for many of the event’s participants, this year frequent charity runner Mr Mills plans on going the extra mile by leading his team of runners across the finish line within the hour mark.

He said: “You don’t need to be a super athlete to do a 10K.”

He added: “Leeds 10K is the pinnacle event. Rain, shine, no matter what, the crowds are absolutely phenomenal. Leeds people always turn out in their droves.”

For an additional £5, entrants get the chance to run alongside the former England defender. Despite slipping a disc last year, determined Mr Mills is confident he’ll be able to motivate his team of all abilities around the course.

Danny, 40, first met the late Jane Tomlinson, the founder of the Run for All charity events, during his time at Leeds and has become increasingly involved with her foundation ever since.

On the importance of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, which raises funds for UK children’s and cancer charities, he said: “It started off with Jane just saying no to cancer. Out of a tragedy has come plenty of good.”

Run with Danny places are still available, and runners can join online at www.runforall.com/10k/leeds